General History
571 Squadron was an RAF Pathfinder Squadron operating the de Havilland Mosquito. The Squadron was formed on 7 April 1944 at Downham Market, Norfolk as part of No. 8 (Pathfinder) Group. The main role of 571 Squadron was to carry out raids on German industrial targets using 4,000 lb “Cookie” bombs. The Squadron moved to RAF Oakington on 22 April 1944. Its last operational flight from RAF Oakington was on 26/27 April 1945, after which the squadron moved to RAF Warboys on 20 July 1945. On 20 September 1945 the squadron was disbanded.
571 Squadon operated the de Havilland Mosquito Mk. XVI twin-engined light bomber.
Commanding Officers:
W/Cdr. J M Birkin, DSO, DFC, AFC – April 1944 to November 1944
W/Cdr. R J Gosnell, DSO, DFC – November 1944 to March 1945
W/Cdr. R W Bray, DFC – March 1945 to September 1945
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._571_Squadron_RAF
During discussions with those who remember the mosquitos they have told us that this was a wooden plane which had no means of defending itself against attack. The Mosquito relied on its speed to keep it out of trouble. Image the courage faced by these men who climbed into a wooden plane knowing that they had no means of defending themselves. Those of us of the post-war generation can have no idea what courage these men must have needed to carry out their designated duties night after night.
The photograph below shows Squadron Leader Mackie A Flight 571 Squadron at Oakington in 1944, and was kindly donated to LDHS archives by Mr R Allen.
